Two (2) Louisiana documents. 1st item: Document with printed Louisiana state seal, certifying William Freret as mayor of the City of New Orleans, signed by Andre Bienvenu Roman and dated February 1, 1841. 9 1/2" x 7 1/2". Roman was the first Governor of Louisiana to use his membership in a national political party - in his case, the Whigs - to determine executive actions. He appointed fellow Whigs to state positions and he supported a protective tariff which was appreciated by south Louisiana sugar planters. Roman opposed secession in the Secession Convention of 1861 and was ruined financially by the Civil War. He died in 1866 while walking on Dumaine Street in New Orleans. (source: Louisiana Secretary of State's Office website). 2nd item: Slave related deposition signed by New Orleans mayor William Freret. Deposition was given and signed by New Orleans resident John K. Patterson in reference to his service on a Grand Jury while living in Vicksburg, MS in 1838. Patterson states that "among the other criminal complaints was one against John W. Edgerton then Master of the Steamer George Washington preferred by Richard Christmas charging said Edgerton with having carried off two negroes belonging to said Christmas on said steamer in violation of the laws of Misssissippi... " (the case was later settled). 7 3/4" x 13 1/2". (Additional high-resolution photos are available at www.caseantiques.com.)

Part of the Freret related deposition page is stuck to the seal on the Mayor Certification document and has been torn off. Both documents have losses at fold lines, up to 2", and are toned with some edge chipping. Roman's signature is slightly smudged.